What is myeloma?
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. It happens most often in adults over the age of 50. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and produce antibodies (immunoglobulins) that protect you against disease. Myeloma is when the bone marrow has a type of immunoglobulin that reproduces uncontrollably. Myeloma cells can disrupt normal blood production and the functioning of the immune system, damage the kidneys, and form into masses.
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In Canada, there was an estimated 3,400 new cases of myeloma in 2020.
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Know that the blood cancer community is here to support you every step of the way.
What happens next?
Telling others you have myeloma
Talking to family and friends
Telling your children
Speaking with your employer
Taking charge of your care
Preparing for appointments
Understanding lab results
Asking for a second opinion
Managing your new reality
Coping with fear, anxiety and stress
Taking care of your body
Managing fatigue and cognitive challenges
Understanding insurance and organizing finances
Resources on myeloma
Read
Download fact sheets, guides and other resources to learn everything from the disease symptoms, statistics and treatment options.
Understanding and managing Myeloma
A comprehensive guide to better understand Myeloma.
Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant
Get an overview of what your blood and bone marrow do; understand the different types of stem cell transplants; learn who is eligible for a stem cell tr…
Understanding clinical trials
Get an overview of clinical trials, understand them, how they are planned, evaluate benefits and risks of participating, address concerns and what to as…
CAR T-CELL Therapy
Learn about CAR T-cell therapy and it s side effects.
Watch & Wait (active surveillance)
Learn about the watch and wait approach, understand the benefits and find out what it means for you.
Types of blood cancer treatments
You or your loved one has been diagnosed with a type of blood cancer. Cancer treatment can be complex, with different types of treatment options availab…
Shared Decision Making: Discussion tool for people with a blood cancer
You or your loved one has been diagnosed with a type of blood cancer. You will be making important decisions with your healthcare team.
Watch
Play the video to better understand the diagnosis, treatment and research progress for this disease.
Managing Multiple Myeloma: How Emerging Therapies Can Help
Dr. Ismail Sharif provides an overview of current and emerging treatment options for multiple myeloma, and share information on how to manage symptoms a…
Why the type of myeloma matters
There are many types of myeloma. Doctors divide myeloma into groups that describe how fast or slowly the disease is progressing. The treatment for myeloma varies according to the type You may find that learning about your diagnosis once you know the type of myeloma involved will help you better understand the disease and its treatment.
Subtypes
Doctors classify myeloma into subtypes by using various tests. The subtype plays a large part in deciding the type of treatment.
Localized myeloma
Extramedullary myeloma
Plasmacytoma